Academic Success Center Directory

Bio: Dr. Candice Calhoun-Butts earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of the Cumberlands. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, she has served in a wide range of roles. Throughout her career, Dr. Calhoun-Butts has remained deeply committed to service, advancing excellence in education, fostering innovation, and cultivating an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports academic achievement and personal growth.

Bio: Catherine Unite serves as the Director of the Academic Success Center in the Division of Student Success. She has three decades of international experience in higher education, specializing in academic support and peer education. Her career spans roles in research, teaching, and academic leadership, including the development and implementation of national centers and large-scale institutional initiatives. all rooted in a deep commitment to student success and transformative learning.

Bio: I enjoy working with the diverse student population at UTA and seeing our TRIO students succeed. I am fortunate to be working within the Division of Student Success and share the commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Bio: As a TRIO Upward Bound Alumna, I was the first in my family to pursue and graduate from college with the help of my TRIO Advisors. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the challenges of navigating the college system and the barriers that may arise as students go through their educational journey. I have an unwavering commitment to help students realize their academic potential and is excited to contribute my knowledge and skills to help students accomplish their goals.

Bio : Carly Rastandeh graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with her master's degree in TESOL and from Texas Woman's University with her bachelor's degree in English. She is passionate about student support, educational equity, and helping students navigate personal and academic challenges. Carly supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing individualized coaching, connecting them with campus resources, and helping them build skills for long-term success.

Bio: I began my work with the UTA community as a peer mentor and tutor for the IDEAS center (UTA’s Title V grant). As a UTA alum and current graduate student, I am proud to be a TRIO SSS Success Coach and enjoy engaging with our diverse student population. 

Bio: 8 years of service. What I like most about my job is everything I learn from the students we work with.

Bio: I have been at UTA for 5 years. The students I serve are directly responsible for why I love this job. I hope in a small way I have made a difference in the students’ lives as they have done in mine.

Bio: I joined the Mavericks family in October 2022 and currently serve as the Peer-Led Team Learning Coordinator. I hold a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from UTA. My professional interests include academic success, student retention, and career coaching. I am passionate about promoting self-advocacy among students and take pride in being a dedicated advocate for their personal and academic growth.

Bio: Lashawn Hodge graduated from Florida International University with his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. He is passionate about personal growth and development and implementing strategies to foster student success. Lashawn supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing tools and resources that will help them achieve their academic goals.

Bio: Alexis Hatch earned a master's degree in counseling from Southern Methodist University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She is passionate about helping students feel confident, supported, and empowered—both in and out of the classroom. At the Division of Student Success, Alexis works closely with students through academic advising, offering guidance, encouragement, and tools to help them stay on track and reach their goals.

Bio: Luis Munoz graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with his master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He is passionate about building relationships and helping students reach their full potential. Luis supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing academic and personal support to our first-time college population.

Bio: LaKeitha Yarborough graduated from University of North Texas with her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals by connecting them with resources to assist in seeking their full potential. LaKeitha supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing academic guidance that empowers students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Bio: Elizabeth Webb graduated from Kansas State University with her master's degree in Academic Advising. She is passionate about the mission of academic advising and loves supporting students as they pursue their educational, career, and personal goals.